Garner Lake Benson Boathouse Opens May 16 for Season

Come on out to the lake starting May 16! That's when the Lake Benson Boathouse opens for the season. The popular amenity offers a variety of boat, kayak and canoe rentals and provides the opportunity to fish from the dock during boathouse hours.

Boat House Information HERE

Lake Benson Boathouse 

975 Buffaloe Road
Garner, NC 27529
919.247.3446

Lake Benson Boathouse is located just down the road from Lake Benson Park. Jon boats, canoes and kayaks are available to rent. There is no charge to fish from the dock. Dock fishing is only available when the boathouse is open. All rentals are on a first come, first served basis.

via Town of Garner

Chief Lorie Smith to Retire from Police Department Effective May 1

Garner Police Chief Lorie Smith has announced that she is retiring effective May 1, 2025, after 30 years of creditable law-enforcement service—all in her hometown with the Garner Police Department.

Chief Smith has led the Police Department since December 2021. She joined it in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division and started her ascent in the department when she was promoted to sergeant in 2004.

Chief Smith has been a trailblazer throughout her stellar career. She became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015. She then became the department’s first female captain in 2017 and subsequently moved into her current role as the agency's first female chief.

“For me, it has never been about being the police chief or being the first female chief,” said Chief Smith. “I saw this opportunity as a way to advocate for the men and women of the Garner Police Department. I wanted to support a culture where employees felt valued and supported and wanted to come to work each day."

“It has always been my priority to ensure that all GPD employees have the resources, opportunities, training and equipment they need to grow and develop professionally," she said. "I hope that my achievements during my career will inspire others to work hard and persevere through difficult challenges to achieve their goals.”

Reflecting on her career, Chief Smith put primary focus on the exceptional team of which she has been a part.

“I am most proud of the dedicated professionals who serve the Garner community, the high standards we achieve, the exceptional level of service we provide and the positive reputation we have established within the Garner and law enforcement communities,” she said.

Chief Smith’s service to the Police Department has been wide ranging. As a lieutenant, she commanded the Criminal Investigations Division. As a captain, she commanded the Administration Bureau through 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator and administrator overseeing the department’s annual budget.

Before her appointment as chief, Smith led the department’s Operations Bureau with oversight of the Patrol, Support Services and Criminal Investigations Divisions. She also was the department’s primary PIO.

In addition, Chief Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team. She also served as a board member of the North Carolina Victim’s Assistance Network from 2016 through 2021.

Grassroots engagement here in Garner has always been a critically important facet of her work, Chief Smith said.

“The people and sense of community are what make Garner special,” she said. “The relationships I developed and nurtured over the years helped build a strong sense of community where people genuinely care about and come together to support each other.”

Chief Smith has been a member of the Garner Educational Foundation since 2015 and has volunteered with the Schools and Community Organized to Read (SCOR) program at Timber Drive Elementary.

She also has been an active volunteer with the Garner Police Athletics and Activities League (PAAL) since its inception and has served as a PAAL coordinator at Rand Road and East Garner Elementary Schools.

“I am proud of the fact I spent my entire career serving with the Garner Police Department," Chief Smith said. “It is a testament to my level of commitment to the Garner community and the law enforcement profession. I will forever be grateful for the great role models and mentors who believed in, encouraged and supported me throughout my career.”

Chief Smith will be recognized for her exemplary service to Garner at the April 1 Town Council meeting.

For more information about the Garner Police Department, please visit GarnerPD.org and follow the department on Facebook and Instagram (@garner_police_department).

via Town of Garner

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Garner Police Department Recognized for Reaching 30-Year Mark in Continuous Accreditation

(From left) Accreditation Manager Dana Clay, Lt. Tyler Rose, Chief Lorie Smith, Deputy Chief Chris Adams, Capt. Michael Medlin and former chiefs Joe Binns and Tom Moss were on hand at the April 1 Garner Town Council meeting to celebrate the Police Department's 30 years of CALEA accreditation.

The Garner Police Department has reached an impressive milestone, earning advanced law enforcement national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) for the 10th consecutive three-year period.

The achievement was recognized last month at the CALEA annual conference in Garden Grove, Calif., and then here in Garner at the April 1 Town Council meeting. The department was first accredited in March 1994 under the leadership of former chief Tom Moss, who attended the Council meeting recognition.

Following a multi-year self-assessment phase and a meticulous site-based assessment of community engagement, policy, procedures, equipment and facilities by CALEA assessors, Garner Police Department Chief Lorie Smith, Town Manager Jodi Miller and Accreditation Manager Dana Clay attended last month's CALEA conference for formal recognition of the department's reaccreditation.

CALEA President Marlon Lynch and Executive Director Craig Hartley awarded the Police Department with accreditation, signifying excellence in public safety and commitment to the Garner community. The department now moves into CALEA’s four-year accreditation cycle that includes four annual remote, web-based file reviews and a site-based assessment in the fourth year.

“I am very proud of the dedication and hard work of our team of professionals who helped us receive our 10th accreditation,” Chief Smith said. “Achieving more than 30 years of accreditation is a testament to the department’s commitment to excellence.”

This latest reaccreditation is a capstone achievement for Chief Smith, who will be retiring at the end of this month after 30 years of creditable service--all in her hometown with the Garner Police Department.

Chief Smith said Accreditation Manager Clay, who also is retiring, deserves special recognition.

“Ms. Clay has served as the Police Department’s accreditation manager since May 2003 and has been instrumental in helping us maintain our excellence in the accreditation process,” Chief Smith said. “Her knowledge and experience have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed as she retires on April 4 after 22 years of service with the Town.”

The purpose of CALEA is to develop standards based on international best practices in public safety, and to establish and administer the accreditation process. The accreditation process is how a public safety agency voluntarily demonstrates how it meets professionally recognized criteria for excellence in management and service delivery.

The benefits of CALEA accreditation include:

• Controlled Liability Insurance Costs: Accredited status makes it easier for agencies to purchase liability insurance; allows agencies to increase the limit of their insurance coverage more easily; and, in many cases, results in lower premiums.

• Stronger Defense Against Lawsuits and Citizen Complaints: Accredited agencies are better able to defend themselves against lawsuits and citizen complaints. Many agencies report a decline in legal actions against them once they become accredited.

• Greater Accountability Within the Agency: Accreditation standards give the chief executive officer a proven management system of written directives, sound training, clearly defined lines of authority and routine reports that support decision making and resource allocation.

• Staunch Support from Government Officials: Accreditation provides objective evidence of an agency’s commitment to excellence in leadership, resource management and service delivery. As a result, government officials are more confident in the agency’s ability to operate efficiently and meet community needs.

• Increased Community Advocacy: Accreditation embodies the precepts of community-oriented policing. It creates a forum in which police and residents work together to prevent and control crime. This partnership helps residents understand the challenges confronting law enforcement and gives law enforcement clear direction about community expectations.

• Improved Employee Morale: Accreditation is a coveted award that symbolizes professionalism, excellence and competence. It requires written directives and training to inform employees about policies and practices; facilities and equipment to ensure employee safety; and processes to safeguard employee rights. Employees take pride in their agency, knowing it represents the very best in public safety.

CALEA was created in 1979 as a credentialing authority through the joint efforts of law enforcement's major executive associations: the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; the National Sheriffs' Association; and the Police Executive Research Forum.

via Town of Garner

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Garner Police Department Deputy Chief Adams to Serve as Interim Chief Starting April 26

Garner Police Deputy Chief Chris Adams will serve as the Police Department’s interim chief starting April 26 until a permanent replacement for the department's top leadership position is named.

Deputy Chief Adams will move into his new temporary role following the retirement of Chief Lorie Smith, who closes out her law-enforcement career on April 25 after 30 years of creditable service—all with the Garner Police Department.

The appointment of Deputy Chief Adams to his new interim role “will allow a seamless leadership transition in the Police Department when Chief Smith retires,” Town Manager Jodi Miller said.

Deputy Chief Adams is a proven community-minded leader with 26 years of experience in policing, all of which are with the Garner Police Department. Before starting his law-enforcement career, Deputy Chief Adams served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He has served as deputy chief in the Garner Police Department since July 2024. Prior to that, he served in various leadership roles for the department including support services captain, patrol lieutenant and several sergeant positions.

“I am honored to serve as interim chief of police for the Town of Garner,” Deputy Chief Adams said. “With 26 years of service with Garner PD, I remain deeply committed to our core values of commitment, integrity and professionalism. During this time of transition, my focus is on maintaining stability within the department, supporting our officers and continuing to build trust with the community we proudly serve. We look forward to working alongside our residents and partners to ensure Garner remains a safe and connected town for all.”

The Town of Garner is currently inviting residents’ input about the hire of the Police Department’s next permanent chief.

A short survey that takes about 3 minutes to complete is open until April 30 and can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GarnerCommunitySurvey

via Town of Garner

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Garner Police Department Earns Statewide Award for Recruitment Video

Communications Media Coordinator Kyle Kettler and Sgt. Joseph Gomes collaborated on the award-winning promotional video that Police uses for recruitment purposes.

The Town of Garner was among 27 North Carolina jurisdictions to earn recognition in the North Carolina City & County Communicators (NC3C) 2025 Excellence in Communications Awards. The Town won first-place honors in the category of promotional videos for an update to the Police Department’s recruitment video.

The video was filmed, directed and edited by Communications Media Coordinator Kyle Kettler in collaboration with Sgt. Joseph Gomes.

The objective of the video was to highlight the work-life balance that the Police Department offers, appeal to diverse applicants and showcase community-policing efforts. The video provides “evergreen” content that can be used at career fairs, school presentations and on social media to present the Police Department in an exciting and appealing light.

Produced over the course of four months, the video incorporated new footage from events, officer trainings, ridealongs and scenes from officers' home-life activities. The narration was recorded from officers featured in the video with additional voiceover narration by Chief Lorie Smith.

“I am so proud of the collaboration between Communications and Police on this video,” Chief Smith said. “We wanted an updated recruitment video that emphasized the community focus of our department, and this video succeeded in capturing that in a powerful way.”

The Town of Garner has won a total of 41 first- and second-place NC3C Excellence in Communications Awards since it started competing in the annual statewide contests in 2012.

The year's awards were announced on April 10 during NC3C’s annual conference. 179 award entries from 47 local government organizations were judged by professional communications peers from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators.

To learn more about the Garner Police Department, including how to apply for a position, visit GarnerPD.org.

via Town of Garner

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Town of Garner Town Welcomes New IT Director

The Town of Garner has welcomed Tom Howley to its team as its new information technology director.

Howley joins the Town with over 15 years of technology leadership experience and over 30 years of total experience providing technology solutions in public-sector environments.

“We are excited to have Tom join the Town’s Information Technology Department,” Assistant Town Manager John Hodges said. “His combination of public-sector experience and his leadership of technology and infrastructure projects make him well-prepared to help Garner deploy and support tools and services to enable our staff to provide excellent customer service to our community.”

The bulk of Howley’s career has been devoted to developing technology infrastructure projects and large data centers and networks to support K-12 learning in Michigan and Washington state.

As a leader in Washington, Howley was elected vice chair of a public regional fiber-optic-network cost-sharing consortium consisting of municipal, K-12, higher-ed, public safety, hospital and other non-profit organizations.

It was there that Howley discovered the satisfying, direct impact municipal governments can make in the communities they serve.

Howley maintains multiple certifications including certified government chief information officer (CGCIO).

Howley and his spouse, Karyn, are happy to be relocating to North Carolina where their children, grandchildren and parents reside.

“I’m very excited to start working with my professional team to provide technology solutions that help all Town departments provide high-quality services desired by our residents,” Howley said.

Community Meetings Scheduled for Potential Merger Between Town and Garner Fire-Rescue

The Town of Garner and Garner Fire-Rescue will hold two community meetings to hear resident input about the potential merger between the two agencies. These two sessions will be held: 

• Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 6 p.m. at Garner Town Hall, Second Floor Training Room, 900 7th Ave. 

• Thursday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at Panther Branch Community Center, 10900 Ten Ten Road 

The meetings are open to the public and will be facilitated by an independent, third-party group, NC Fire Chief Consulting, which works together with counties and municipalities across North Carolina on similar initiatives.  

During each meeting session, there will be a brief informational component, followed by the consultants asking for public feedback from those in attendance. Summaries of the input received during these two sessions will be provided to Town elected officials and Garner Fire-Rescue Board of Director members.  

In addition, there will be a public survey distributed throughout the community following the two public meeting sessions.   

The Town of Garner and Garner Fire-Rescue have been discussing the possibility of consolidating operations for approximately the past five years. Garner Fire-Rescue currently operates as a private, non-profit corporation fire department that contracts with the Town of Garner and Wake County.  

The Town of Garner now provides approximately 56.5 percent of the fire department’s overall funding for providing fire and rescue services within the Town. Wake County provides approximately 43.5 percent of the department’s funding for providing services in roughly 60 square miles of unincorporated area around the Town of Garner.   

Garner Fire-Rescue is one of only 10 fire departments in North Carolina that is both nationally accredited and holds an insurance Class 1 rating. The rigorous accreditation process ensures residents that they are consistently receiving the level of service that they are paying for, and that the fire department meets all essential core competencies. The insurance (or ISO) rating directly reduces insurance premiums for homeowners and businesses. Class 1 is the highest rating earned in the United States.   

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Any person wishing to comment in writing, prior to the public meetings, may do so by forwarding comments to the Town of Garner communications team at 900 7th Ave., Garner, NC 27529, or by emailing them to garnerpio@garnernc.gov.  

The Town of Garner strives to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity to access its programs, services and activities. If you will require assistance to participate in either one of these sessions, we request that you contact the Town of Garner communications team at least five business days before the event.  

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FAQs about a possible merger.

How do we provide fire and rescue service now and how is it funded?

Fire and rescue service is provided by Garner Fire-Rescue Inc. The independent agency has contracts with the Town of Garner as well as Wake County to provide each jurisdiction emergency services within the Town limits and unincorporated area in Wake County. The agency was formed as a non-profit organization in 1952 and still operates in that capacity today.

What is a merger?

A merger happens when two or more organizations agree to go forward with a shared vision to create a single new organization rather than remain separately managed and operated. In some cases, there is a recognition that it is in the best interests of all parties to come together in a new, more effective and efficient version of the existing organizations.

Why consider a merger now?

The Town of Garner contracted with North Carolina Fire Chief Consulting (www.ncfirechief.com) in January 2021 to facilitate a process of review and determine the feasibility of creating a shared vision for the future for fire and rescue services in Garner and the unincorporated area in Wake County. The Town Council and Garner Fire-Rescue Board agreed to engage in a process that assisted both entities in planning and preparing for fire and rescue services as the Town and surrounding area continues to grow and develop.

How would a merger affect service?

Service delivery to the residents whom the Garner Fire-Rescue currently serve should not be affected. Daily operational responses should remain seamless through a merger.

What is the timeframe for completing a merger?

It would take approximately 12 months from when the final agreements and implementation strategy are approved.

Would this affect the Town’s current cost share with Wake County?

A merger should have no impact on the cost share agreement nor the methodology for determining the cost share with Wake County.

Garner and Wake County, Hold Groundbreaking for Caddy Road Public Safety Station

Wake County and the Town of Garner on Nov. 29 held the official groundbreaking ceremony for the new Caddy Road Public Safety Station planned for a fast-growing part of Garner (the U.S. 401-Ten Ten area).

The 16,000-square-foot station is a partnership between Wake County and the Town. It will primarily house Garner Fire-Rescue and Wake County EMS but will also offer touch-down space for the Garner Police Department.

The facility will include four full-apparatus bays, company day rooms, offices, a conference room, an exercise space, a kitchen and dining areas.

The building should be completed by winter 2023-24. The project was made possible in part by $6.5 million in Public Safety and Services Facilities bonds approved by Garner voters in November 2021.

Sabrina Lewis Joins Garner Leadership Team as Human Resources Director

Sabrina Lewis will be joining the Town of Garner as the Human Resources Director effective June 20, 2022, filling a key role with the Town’s leadership team.

Lewis brings a wealth of knowledge to Garner from her over 13 years of experience in Human Resources, most recently serving as the Human Resource Manager for the Town of Apex. Her experience in Human Resources also includes service with the Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Over her tenure, Lewis has led emerging HR initiative projects, oversaw employee relations programs, and administered performance management and improvement procedures.

“Sabrina is a passionate and engaging professional that will bring human resources expertise and effective communication skills to the Town. We are thrilled that she will be joining the Garner Team,” Assistant Town Manager Jodi Miller said.

Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her master’s degree in Legal Studies and Alternative Dispute Resolution from Regent University in December of 2021. In March of 2017, Lewis received her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute.

“I believe in the power of professional connections and relationship building and strive to always be engaging and approachable with staff, peers and partners,” Lewis said.

While passionate about her work in human resources, Lewis also recognizes the importance of selfless service and restorative balance and can be found volunteering in several community organizations or spending time with family and friends.

Lewis loves all things Marvel Comics related, “I’m a self-professed Avenger, always ready to assemble with others to make great things happen.”

To learn more about the Town of Garner, please visit GarnerNC.gov.

Town of Garner Plans Special Yard Debris Collection in Wake of Storm

In response to last week’s powerful storm that swept through Garner, the Town Council has approved a Public Works Department plan to conduct a special curbside pickup for unprepared yard debris starting the morning of Wednesday, July 6. 

The plan calls for crews to make one pass through each neighborhood, so it is important that residents get their yard debris to the curb by the morning of July 6, Public Works says. The department also reminds residents that Town crews cannot pick up yard waste left by contractors who have performed work for residents. 

The special pickup will go in this route order: 

• Orange Wednesday route

• Yellow Thursday route

• Gold Tuesday route

• Purple Thursday route

• Green Tuesday route

• Brown Friday route

• Red Monday route

• Gray Monday route

• Blue Friday route

• White Wednesday route

• Tan Tuesday route

(See the Town’s color-coded route map.)    

The Public Works Department selected this route order to enable crews to begin in the areas that appear to have the most debris as a result of last Friday’s storm. 

In addition to the special pickup for unprepared yard waste, residents have the option of getting yard waste collected as part of their regular weekly curbside service if they prepare it in accordance with guidelines found on the Town website (see section on Curbside Yard Waste Collection). This option is available to residents immediately. 

Since Friday’s storm, Public Works has supported emergency operations with signage placement and has focused on removing debris from roadways. The department also has prioritized removing potentially hazardous debris from the grounds around Town facilities and in Town parks. Public Works crews are scheduled to continue this work as well as gathering up debris from right of ways and streets for the remainder of this week. 

With the Town’s annual July 3rd Independence Day Celebration coming up, Public Works will have to turn its attention next week to preparing for that signature Town event. The department will have the capacity to turn its attention to the special yard debris collection after the Independence Day Celebration and the Town holiday on July 4.  

For more information, please contact Public Works at 919.772.7600 or at publicworksservicedesk@garnernc.gov. 

Garner Police Chief Joe Binns to Retire Effective Oct. 1

Garner Police Chief Joe Binns has announced his retirement with 30 years of creditable service to the Town effective Oct. 1, 2021.

Chief Binns served in a variety of roles in the department over his long career with the Garner Police Department before being selected to serve as the interim chief in 2019 then permanent chief in October 2020. Prior to becoming interim chief, he was assigned as the department’s operations bureau captain with responsibilities over patrol operations, criminal investigations and special operations.

Chief Binns was the first chief to rise up through the ranks to become the top leader of the Police Department.

“I believe the Police Department is in a strong position with many capable leaders who will continue to provide excellent service to our residents,” Chief Binns said. “I have been honored to have been able to serve Garner for over 28 years and am very appreciative of the opportunities I have been given. Unfortunately, I need to focus on some personal health issues but am grateful to have served the Town and its residents over a full career.”

Under Chief Binns’ leadership, the department-wide deployment of NARCAN was instituted to fight the opioid epidemic, saving at least 22 lives since implementation.

The department received its national reaccreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) during Chief Binns' leadership tenure. Chief Binns also expanded the department's leadership structure to prepare for the fast growth and changes Garner is now seeing.

During his tenure, Chief Binns has focused on building internal capacity to meet the growing needs of the Town as well as expanding on programs and relationships that built trust and legitimacy in the community. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Police Department has continued to build on relationships and programs that support community engagement.

“Chief Joe Binns has been an integral part of the leadership team over the last two years,” Town Manager Rodney Dickerson said. “During his year as chief, he valued community relations externally and professional development and officer morale internally. He continued the integrity and professionalism of what was already an outstanding, nationally accredited Police Department, but he also put his own stamp on the department by instituting key policy changes. His common-sense approach, combined with nearly 30 years of experience, served this community well and served me well.”

Town Manager Dickerson expects to name an interim chief soon. A search for Chief Binns’ permanent replacement will begin in the coming weeks.

Courtesy Town of Garner

Town of Garner Wins Statewide Awards for Communications

The Town of Garner recently won three 2021 Excellence in Communications Awards from N.C. City and County Communicators.

The awards include second place statewide for a Garner Veterans Memorial audio tour featuring tour guide and veteran Spencer Cardwell. This award-winning project was the result of a unique collaboration among staff in Communications and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, and individuals in the community. The next time you are at the memorial at Lake Benson Park, scan one of the QR codes on the signage and start listening to this fantastic narrative. You can also find it on YouTube.

The Town also won a second-place award for the 2020 Popular Annual Financial Report. The publication was the result of a collaboration between staff in Communications and Finance. Earlier editions of this report have received numerous honors from NC3C and from the Government Finance Officers Association. The report is one more way the Town seeks to be transparent and to make important information easily digestible. You can find the 2020 PAFR online.

In addition, the Town took home second-place honors for a father-son photo made during a community vigil held outside Town Hall last summer amid calls nationwide for racial justice and reconciliation. Communications staff made the photos for the event.

Courtesy Town of Garner

GEDC, Wake Tech Announce Scholarship for Garner Magnet, South Garner High Students

Garner high school students have a great new opportunity to attend Wake Tech thanks to a new scholarship endowment. The Garner Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) has established a $250,000 endowment with the Wake Tech Foundation which will provide scholarships to graduating seniors at Garner Magnet High School and South Garner High School who wish to further their education at Wake Tech.

GEDC and Wake Tech made the announcement during a ceremony Thursday afternoon in the Town Council Chambers at Garner Town Hall. In addition to Garner and Wake Tech representatives, Matt Calabria, Wake County Commissioner Chair, and Monika Johnson-Hostler, Wake County Public School System Board Member, spoke during the program.

The GEDC believes that an education is fundamental in building a bright and thriving future for the Garner community.

"Having a well-trained and educated population is vitally important to Garner's future," GEDC Chair Jeff Swain said. “Every community's greatest asset is its people. That is why the GEDC is pleased to establish this GEDC Endowment for Education and ensure that Garner students have access to a world-class education and a brighter future."

“Wake Tech is so grateful for the support and generosity of the Garner Economic Development Corporation,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Scott Ralls. “Because of this endowment, deserving high school students from the Garner community will have an opportunity to continue their education and pursue their college degree right here in Wake County.”

Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA to qualify and financial need will be considered. The scholarship may be designated to assist students in any Wake Tech degree, diploma or certificate program.

The scholarship application is currently open, and the first two recipients will be selected this summer. Current Garner high school seniors graduating this spring who plan to attend Wake Tech in the fall are encouraged to apply at scholarships.waketech.edu by April 30.

"The Town is excited about this new opportunity for a young person from our community to pursue their dreams and career aspirations," Mayor Ken Marshburn said. "Garner has always taken pride in the way it nurtures young people. It's why our town is recognized as an All-America City. It's why Garner is a great place to live and raise a family."

About Garner Economic Development Corporation:

Since its inception in 2010, the Garner Economic Development Corporation (GEDC), an economic development non-profit, has been committed to improving the quality of life for all Garner residents through the recruitment and retention of quality employers, support and encouragement of entrepreneurship, and marketing the Garner community as a great place to locate a business and raise a family. For more information on the GEDC, please go to choosegarnernc.com.

About Wake Tech:

Wake Tech is North Carolina’s largest community college, serving more than 70,000 adults annually, with six campuses, three training centers, multiple community sites, and a comprehensive array of online learning options. The Wake Tech Foundation awards more than $450,000 in over 350 individual scholarships to degree-seeking students each year. The Foundation believes in making an education possible for anyone in our community who wants one so that our region remains the best place to live and work in the world.